‘Ye hota haina lovely gesture’ – Fans react as Mohammed Siraj gives away cash prize for MOM to Sri Lanka ground staff

By donating the money he was set to receive from his Player of the Match award from the Asia Cup final towards the Colombo ground staff, Mohammed Siraj gained admiration for his kind act. Siraj delivered an outstanding effort in the Asia Cup final. Siraj’s outstanding bowling performance was the highlight of the match, which witnessed India defeat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. 

He decimated the Sri Lankan lineup, taking six wickets for only 21 runs, and helped India win. With this accomplishment, he became the fourth ODI bowler in history to claim four wickets in one over. It came as no surprise that Siraj would be named Player of the Match, but he chose to donate the $1,000 award to the Colombo grounds crew instead.

Despite difficult weather circumstances, the Colombo ground personnel managed to maintain the smooth running of matches, and they were hailed by Rohit Sharma as well as Virat Kohli following the Pakistan game.

Siraj stated that the ground crew deserved all the credit at the post-match presentation, as reported by Crex. He said, “This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. If they weren’t there, this tournament would not have been possible. They deserve all the credit.”

Sri Lanka simply had no answers to Mohammed Siraj 

The Sri Lankan batting lineup was in ruins after Siraj’s session of seam as well as swing bowling. His erratic swing and constant pace of above 140 kmph resulted in the ejection of numerous hitters. 

Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samaraiwickrama, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, and Dhananjaya De Silva were among his victims. Siraj’s effort made him the fourth Indian to reach 50 wickets across ODI cricket in the quickest time.

Not only was Siraj’s performance during the Asia Cup final amazing, but it was also historic. In just 16 balls, he became the quickest Indian bowler to rack up a five-for in an ODI.  Additionally, he tied Chaminda Vaas’ record for the fastest five-for in an ODI. Moreover, this was an Indian bowler’s fourth-best performance in ODI cricket history.

Fans react as Mohammed Siraj gives away cash prize for MOM to Sri Lanka ground staff: 

Mohammad Siraj dedicates his Player Of The Match award and cash prize to the Sri Lankan groundstaff.

– What a beautiful gesture by Siraj! pic.twitter.com/Nt27PEgSk5

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 17, 2023

You made him proud ?? pic.twitter.com/luM0bt6v0a

— Aman (@Chiku_Bhaiya) September 17, 2023

Why wasn't he selected for the earlier matches in this Asia Cup? He is such a phenomenal bowler, the only bowler in India that seems to be dangerous to the opponents.
I hope they give him more chances to play, especially in the coming WC.

Congratulations for the win, neighbors.

— Noor A Yousufzai ?. (@AuratZaatt) September 17, 2023

Man won hearts again??? pic.twitter.com/FenasbbAoj

— fiza (@relatewithfiza) September 17, 2023

Gem ?

— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) September 17, 2023

India created history ????
Huge congratulations?? to team India ????
Siraj ????? boom boom 6 wicket ?????
Dil jeet liya bhai ???

— GORDXROHIT (@gordxrohit) September 17, 2023

Ground staff are the real winners of Asia Cup, without them it wasn't possible to hold games at the 11th hour

— Anuj Mishra (@anujmishra003) September 17, 2023

At least in indian team have one good human.others are no need to say ? https://t.co/tT6rDgH4e2

— ????? (@XuKaifangirl) September 17, 2023

Wow what a great gesture ??

— Manoj Kumar ???? (@manoj_begu) September 17, 2023

Historical spell by Siraj.??

— iamsayedul (@Beingsayedul) September 17, 2023

Miya bhai 1 din me Kitni baar dil jeetoge ????

— Felix Makwana (@felixmakwana) September 17, 2023

What a great gesture from Siraj, Proud of him ???

— Harman Singh (@HarmanS48671788) September 17, 2023

His family must be so proud of him ???#SLvsIND | #AsiaCupFinal pic.twitter.com/2mNZXQOMXu

— Hassan Nawaz (@iam_hassan56) September 17, 2023

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